History of Albany Australia
Visit the Albany Heritage Park for living history!
Thriving southern destination A History of Albany, Western Australia
Click here for a Map of Historic Places in Albany.
The port city of Albany is located in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, some 418 km SE of Perth, the state capital.
Albany, is the oldest permanently settled town in Western Australia. With Mount Clarence to the east and Mount Melville to
There were several European explorer visits to the Albany shores prior to British settlement. The dutchman François Thijssen in 1627, in 1792 the Frenchman Bruni d'Entrecasteaux, In 1801 Englishman Matthew Flinders and in 1826 Frenchman Dumont d'Urville in the L'Astrolabe visited King George Sound. Click here for an overview of Albany Australia's Museums.
Arriving on the Amity
In 1826 Major Edmund Lockyer arrived on the Amity, from Sydney, and founded a British military outpost. This was to stop any plans by the French to claim Western Australia. Albany was named by Governor Stirling in 1832, at the time that political authority passed to the Swan River colony. The official postal service began in 1834 and the first town jetty was established in 1837. The construction of the railway in 1885, between Perth and Albany brought with it more settlers and more opportunities. The 1890's gold rush brought more settlers and prosperity. During this time many of the historic buildings on Stirling Terrace were built.
Rich with History
Albany Convict Gaol Museum
Step Inside History: Walk the Walls of Albany’s Convict Past
Uncover chilling tales from the past, right in the heart of town, at this well-preserved gaol which was once home to transported convicts, warders and prisoners whose stories still echo through its walls. Wander through original cell blocks, peek into the old kitchen and laundry, and don’t miss the timber-lined Aboriginal cells with carvings thought to be the oldest of their kind in the country. Explore the female cells, great hall, and guard tower, and discover stories of hardship, resilience and reform. Friendly volunteer staff are on hand with rich local knowledge to bring it all to life. It’s a surprisingly family-friendly experience—interactive displays, historical role play areas and friendly volunteer staff make it easy to explore at your own pace. Even young kids love it (some don’t want to leave!). For the brave, stay after dark and try the Albany Self-Guided Ghost Tour—a spine-tingling walk through one of WA’s most haunted locations. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or a curious historian, the Albany Convict Gaol Museum, , built in 1852, is a unique and memorable way to spend an afternoon. Open daily from 10am to 4pm. History awaits. This isn’t just a museum—it’s an experience that connects you to the human stories behind the history, making your visit both educational and unforgettable.
Patrick Taylor’s Cottage
Albany’s Oldest Home – A Window Into the Past
Step off the streets of modern Albany and into the world of 1832, where every creaking floorboard and handmade nail tells a story. A visit to Patrick Taylor Cottage is a journey back nearly 200 years, offering one of the most authentic glimpses into early colonial life in Western Australia. Built in 1832, this beautifully preserved wattle and daub home is the oldest surviving dwelling in the state, and an essential stop for historians, heritage travellers, and families alike. Step inside eleven fully furnished rooms filled with over 2,000 artefacts—from handmade tools and clothing to silverware and delicate porcelain. Stand on the original pit-sawn jarrah floors, walk through rooms where Patrick Taylor, his wife Mary Yates Bussell, and their six children once lived, and absorb the rich details that bring this history to life. Children will be fascinated by how different life was in the 1830s, while history lovers will appreciate the rare construction methods and deep colonial roots. Surrounded by a lovingly maintained cottage garden, the home is a credit to the Albany Historical Society and the dedicated volunteer staff, whose knowledge and passion make each visit unforgettable. Open daily from 11am to 3pm. Patrick Taylor Cottage is a true Albany treasure—don’t miss it.
1900s, WWI & WWII
Atop Mount Adelaide is the Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum. It houses the Albany Barracks & The Princess Royal Battery, the Military Heritage Centre, the Ellam-Innes Collection (extensive collection of War memorabilia of the 11th Battalion and 10th Light Horse regiments), Underground Magazine, Repository Store and Caretaker's Cottage, Artillery Display, Torpedoes, HMAS Perth trail, World War II Control Bunker plus more.
On top of Mt. Clarence there is a memorial to the Desert Mounted Corps.
Albany also has many historic buildings and sites including:
- The Brig Amity (1826). Replica (1975).
- Patrick Taylor Cottage (1832).
- The Old Post Office (1834).
- St John's Church (1841).
- Albany Convict Gaol & Museum (1852).
- The Residency Museum (1856).
- Albany Co-op Store Museum (1870).
- The Royal George Hotel (1885).
- Albany Town Hall (1888).
- Wesley Church (1890).
- Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum (1893).
Dining in Historical Buildings:
Earl Of Spencer Historic Inn 1850
Soak up the heritage atmosphere at The Earl of Spencer Historic Inn - a piece of Albany's History...
Enjoy a meal and a drink at this English style pub high up on Earl street. You'll appreciate the British flair and decor, and the historic artefacts on display. The walls are adorned with photographs of the original building from the 1900's and other artefacts including ownership certificates. The Earl is significant as one of the oldest and still running hotels/inns in Albany, having first been licensed in 1884, and operating for 40 years and again as a licensed venue since 1987. The traditional Aussie hearty pub meals, and tasty lunch specials, can be enjoyed indoors in the restaurant and bar or outside in the spacious beer garden. Choose from the 16 beers on tap and a wide choice of wine and spirits, many which are local. The kids will enjoy the wooden playground with cubby house, swing and climbing frame! There's a great ambiance and plenty of free off-street parking. Book dinner to avoid missing out. Enjoy local artists on Friday nights!
Albany Today
Today the city of Albany is a thriving port city home to over 30,000.
It is a significant tourist destination for Australians and International visitors.
It has great significance historically and its coastline is a place of outstanding & spectacular natural beauty.
Visit the Albany Museums Page for more on Albany's exciting history.
Museums & Monuments in Albany Australia
Mount Clarence Visit the ANZAC Desert Corps Memorial and view the coast from Padre White Lookout or Apex Lookout at the summit. Visit Mount Clarence
Albany Heritage Park The heritage park consists of the parklands and monuments of Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide including the National ANZAC Centre. Visit Albany Heritage Park
ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial sits atop Mount Clarence. Visit ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
Ataturk Channel Ataturk Channel connects King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour allowing safe access to the Port of Albany. Visit Ataturk Channel
Ataturk Memorial Ataturk Memorial stands prominently above Point King overlooking Ataturk Channel. The memorial offers amazing views of the channel. Visit Ataturk Memorial
Princess Royal Fortress One of the best outdoor military museums in Australia. The Fortress is within the Albany Heritage Park, atop Mount Adelaide. Visit Princess Royal Fortress
WA Museum Albany The Western Australian Museum Albany has exhibitions and information on the natural and social history of the region. Visit WA Museum Albany
Albany History Videos:
Map to some of Albany's Historic Attractions:
Albany History
Albany's Living History Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below.
What's on the map? These are the locations plotted above:
Brig Amity Replica Experience the first settlers arrival in Albany, the first settlement in Western Australia, from onboard a replica of the Amity. Visit Brig Amity Replica
Mount Clarence Visit the ANZAC Desert Corps Memorial and view the coast from Padre White Lookout or Apex Lookout at the summit. Visit Mount Clarence
Albany Heritage Park The heritage park consists of the parklands and monuments of Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide including the National ANZAC Centre. Visit Albany Heritage Park
Albany WA History Albany, is the oldest permanently settled town in Western Australia. Visit Albany WA History
ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial sits atop Mount Clarence. Visit ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
Ataturk Memorial Ataturk Memorial stands prominently above Point King overlooking Ataturk Channel. The memorial offers amazing views of the channel. Visit Ataturk Memorial
Princess Royal Fortress One of the best outdoor military museums in Australia. The Fortress is within the Albany Heritage Park, atop Mount Adelaide. Visit Princess Royal Fortress
WA Museum Albany The Western Australian Museum Albany has exhibitions and information on the natural and social history of the region. Visit WA Museum Albany
Other amazing locations in the South-West of Western Australia!
More information on the south-west coast in our other Western Australian travellers guides:
Albany Tourist Information:
Albany WA
The Albany is the oldest settlement in Western Australia. Filled with history, surrounded by beaches and waterways, and a great place to visit while on holiday on the south coast of WA. Visit Albany today.
Have you visited?
Fremantle WA
Fremantle, the Port City, is located south-west of Perth at the mouth of the Swan River. Fremantle's vibrant nightlife, music scene and cafe' culture make Fremantle a perfect getaway from the bustle of Perth. Beaches, history, shopping, dining out, and more. VISIT FREMANTLE
Have you visited?
Margaret River, WA
The Margaret River Region is an area of magnificent beauty on the western coast of the south west of WA. From the expansive shores of Busselton on Geographe Bay, through Dunsborough & Margaret River to Augusta, the Margaret River Region is fantastic. VISIT MARGARET RIVER
Have you visited?
Denmark WA
Denmark WA is one of the most beautiful places along the south coast as it has forests, beaches, rivers and waves. Everything you need for the perfect south coast holiday. Denmark Wineries are popular too! Info on Denmark Town including shopping, dining & history, VISIT DENMARK WA